The making of Bahamas villa

In this tutorial I will be covering the basics of SketchUp to V-ray for 3DS Max work flow. I will not be covering every single detail, like applying materials in 3DS Max, since I am assuming that you already have some basic knowledge of the process.

Step 1 – The model I started with

Step 2 – Working with layers

One of the most important things when modeling here in SketchUp is the use of Layers . In this file I will divide my model into different layers following : columns, walls, beams , water, etc…

Step 3 – Exporting to 3DS Max

When I am satisfied with the final result , I will export my completed SketchUp model SKP file to 3DS by layer. Step by step I will Check “visible” layer while others remain unchecked, then I am ready to export to 3DS.

In the option menu I will set :

Geometry:

-Export: Full hierarchy with multi objects, if that object is a chair,then choose “Single object”
-Don’t check the check box on “Geometry” option, unless you want to export the current selection.

Material:-Check “export texture maps”, It is important to check this if you plan to use sketchup materials in 3DS Max . If not , and if you want to create new materials in 3dsmax, then don’t check this option.

Cameras:

-Check “generate cameras from pages” only in the last export. If you check this box upon each export then in your final 3DMax file you are going to have a great deal of coinciding cameras.

Step 5 – Inside 3DS Max

Open 3DS MAX. I am using 3DS Max version 2009 but you can also use any older version . Go to File/Import and choose the last 3DS that you exported. Before completion of the import process, you must make a group of these objects and convert them to editable poly. Then you must create material/shade and assign it to that object. You should attach them to one object for more easy management. Remember: only choose “yes” for the camera in question for the THE LAST imported step.

Step 6 – Creating V-Ray sky and sun

Now I will create V-ray Sky and V-ray Sun: Click and Drag to make V-ray Sky and V-ray Sun. After I have created V-ray Sun I will switch to Front View and move towards the sky (move forward following the z axis)

Step 7 – Creating the background cylinder

I will create the environment in the form of a cylinder. After I completed that I will assign a material background image to it. The cylinder shouldn’t be to big . It should coincide with the size of the building.